Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Despite a base price of ₹75 lakh, Shaw remained unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, a stark contrast to the bright start he had as a young prodigy.
Disappointing Performance in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Currently representing the Mumbai team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, Shaw’s struggles continue. In a match against Maharashtra, he was dismissed for a duck after facing just three deliveries. His dismissal in the first over added to the mounting pressure on the young batsman.
This marked Shaw’s second match in the tournament, and his performance in the previous game against Goa was also lackluster. Although he managed 33 runs off 22 balls with five fours and a six, it wasn’t the impactful innings expected from someone looking to make a comeback.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction Snub
Shaw’s omission from the IPL 2025 auction raised eyebrows. His base price of ₹75 lakh, once a steal for a player of his caliber, found no takers this time. His continued struggles with form and fitness, coupled with off-field controversies, have left teams wary of investing in him.
In stark contrast, players like Gujarat wicketkeeper-batsman Urvil Patel, who also went unsold, have showcased resilience. Patel set the Indian record for the fastest century in T20 cricket, proving that strong domestic performances can pave the way back. Shaw, however, seems unable to replicate such comebacks.
A Promising Career at Risk
Prithvi Shaw’s cricketing journey began on a high note. He captained the Indian team to victory in the Under-19 World Cup and scored a century on his Test debut at just 18 years old. However, his career took a downturn due to injuries, poor form, and off-field issues.
Some key moments that derailed his career include:
- Doping Ban (2019): Shaw faced an eight-month ban after failing a doping test, raising concerns about his discipline.
- Off-Field Controversies (2023): He was involved in a public altercation with social media influencer Sapna Gill, leading to legal trouble.
- Fitness Concerns: Criticism of his fitness has persisted, impacting his selection for both domestic and international matches.
What’s Next for Shaw?
Prithvi Shaw’s fans and cricketing experts hope for a turnaround. With the right focus on fitness and consistent performances in domestic cricket, he has the potential to regain his place in Indian cricket. Players like Urvil Patel have shown that comebacks are possible, and Shaw needs to channel his energy in a similar direction.
The road ahead is challenging, but a disciplined approach could help Shaw reignite his promising career.
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